‘40 Ford coupe appreciation build

[atomicholiday]

I gotta say, I'm surprised by all the attention and positive feedback this build has gotten already.  Really shows there's a lot of love and dedication for the old '40 Ford out there.  I thank you all for your praise, tips, and advice for this project.  Whether I follow your suggestions or not, I value each and every one of your comments.  Thank you all and keep 'em coming!!

At the end of the day, I have to follow my heart and vision for this old kit, and knowing my dad's taste for hot rods will help guide me there.  So with that said, I think maybe the term "stock appearing" may be slightly off the mark.  In this case, it should maybe be more like "stock resembling".  I want there to be no question that this is a hot rod, but not over the top.  When finished, hopefully it will be a very tastefully designed concept.  Unless I totally blow it!?

Now then, I've decided on the rims for this baby!  I'll be 3D printing this design that I got from Z Force Model Works (his pictures below).  No idea what they would have been on originally (if you know anything about them, please let me know).  The rims will be painted black and the caps will be chrome.  Not sure on what tires I'll use yet, but I'll size the rims to them once I decide.  I will be going slightly larger in the rear.

[milo1303s]

They look like Ford pickup truck caps maybe I'm wrong .

Here's some more inspiration for ya lol !

[stavanzer]

5 hours ago, atomicholiday said:

I gotta say, I'm surprised by all the attention and positive feedback this build has gotten already.  Really shows there's a lot of love and dedication for the old '40 Ford out there.  I thank you all for your praise, tips, and advice for this project.  Whether I follow your suggestions or not, I value each and every one of your comments.  Thank you all and keep 'em coming!!

At the end of the day, I have to follow my heart and vision for this old kit, and knowing my dad's taste for hot rods will help guide me there.  So with that said, I think maybe the term "stock appearing" may be slightly off the mark.  In this case, it should maybe be more like "stock resembling".  I want there to be no question that this is a hot rod, but not over the top.  When finished, hopefully it will be a very tastefully designed concept.  Unless I totally blow it!?

Now then, I've decided on the rims for this baby!  I'll be 3D printing this design that I got from Z Force Model Works (his pictures below).  No idea what they would have been on originally (if you know anything about them, please let me know).  The rims will be painted black and the caps will be chrome.  Not sure on what tires I'll use yet, but I'll size the rims to them once I decide.  I will be going slightly larger in the rear.

I think they are Ford Truck too, but I'm not a Ford Expert.

I do think they will look great with your build! A very nice choice.

[slusher]

Nice wheels and hub caps, Jeremy!

[atomicholiday]

After some trial and error for scaling, I got the wheels and tires printed.

And here’s a very rough mock up-

 

 

[slusher]

Looks good Jeremy, nice stance!

[Zippi]

That's a good looking stance there Jeremy.  I like those wheels and tires tucked inside those Big ole fat fenders.  

[NOBLNG]

Nice mockup Jeremy.? I like the wheels and tires too.?

[Kenmojr]

One of my favorite kits from my youth (1960s), the AMT 40 Ford Coupe and 39 Ford Sedan. If memory serves me correct the 40 Coupe was molded in a beige or light tan color and the 39 Sedan in black. At my age memory tends to be foggy at times, so I could be wrong.

[lordairgtar]

On 7/2/2024 at 5:45 PM, Rattlecan Dan said:

Jeremy, love your intention and I'm sure dad will like it even if it's pink or yellow. But the midnight blue (in my humble opinion) should not be metallic. I'm nearly 80 myself, and old school thinking that non-metallic carbon blue is what he would dig. And the old souped-up flatheads moved out pretty good. In the old days just plain black rims were the hot look. But for sure, whatever you give him will be accepted with a smile and a tear. Good Luck. Added some pics for thought.

 

 

That's a very clean street rod. I know that car and I even know the house it's parked in front of.

 

[atomicholiday]

Quick update today.  I haven’t had much modeling time because I’ve been practicing my butt off for my next jam session (tomorrow).  The music has taken the front seat lately.

But anyway, I decided I’m going to keep it simple (relatively) and use the nailhead that comes with the kit.  They’re just cool engines, and I think it’ll look great.

That being said, it’s going to get dressed up a bit.  I drilled out the plug wire holes today and started assembling the pieces.  I’ll either print my own distributor or use an aftermarket part I picked up a while back.

 Also, it’s getting new carbs.  I just printed these today.  Should look much nicer than the kit part.  Haven’t decided which part I want to use on top of the carbs, so I printed two types.  There are six sets here, but only three will be used on this build.

[atomicholiday]

No more “bell” shaped blower cut out!  I used styrene rod to fill most of it and filled the rest with Tamiya putty.  Here it is after a coat of primer.

[atomicholiday]

I did a little more printing tonight.  Because it’s important to keep your vintage ride running cool, this one is getting an electric fan.  Just about a perfect fit for the kit radiator.?

[slusher]

On 7/26/2024 at 2:40 PM, atomicholiday said:

Quick update today.  I haven’t had much modeling time because I’ve been practicing my butt off for my next jam session (tomorrow).  The music has taken the front seat lately.

But anyway, I decided I’m going to keep it simple (relatively) and use the nailhead that comes with the kit.  They’re just cool engines, and I think it’ll look great.

That being said, it’s going to get dressed up a bit.  I drilled out the plug wire holes today and started assembling the pieces.  I’ll either print my own distributor or use an aftermarket part I picked up a while back.

 Also, it’s getting new carbs.  I just printed these today.  Should look much nicer than the kit part.  Haven’t decided which part I want to use on top of the carbs, so I printed two types.  There are six sets here, but only three will be used on this build.

Those look great, Jeremy and I like your cooling fan!

[stavanzer]

Looks Very Sharp. I really, really like the wheels.

[atomicholiday]

A little Buick engine green for the nailhead?  Yes please!

[atomicholiday]

Got the seat painted in MCW medium saddle just now.  I really like the sheen.  It’s pretty much exactly what I was hoping for.

 still might lightly weather it, just so it doesn’t look new.

 

 

 

[slusher]

Real nice Jeremy!

[Zippi]

This is looking really sharp Jeremy.  It's going to be a looker.

[bobss396]

15 hours ago, atomicholiday said:

Got the seat painted in MCW medium saddle just now.  I really like the sheen.  It’s pretty much exactly what I was hoping for.

 still might lightly weather it, just so it doesn’t look new.

 

 

 

Very realistic. I have a few cans of Duplicolor paint I use almost strictly on interiors, it has the right balance and is never too shiny.

[atomicholiday]

Slowly but surely, I’m pushing this one forward.  Today I shot the second color for the interior.  
I’m planning on flocking it with dark brown.  Should be interesting, as I’ve never tried it.

 

[slusher]

Nice colors Jeremy!

[atomicholiday]

Did a little more work on the coupe on and off this weekend.  To start things off, I got the rims in primer and then shot gloss black with aluminum trim rings.  Once cured, I’ll pop off the hubcaps and chrome them.

Yesterday the dashboard was painted.  Here’s a sneak peek at the color the body will be.

This morning I got the body in primer.  I used Dupli Color for this.  Also got the suspension parts shot gloss black.

And finally, I just now added a dark brown oil wash to the seat to give it a more realistic look.  Let me know what you think.  I didn’t want to over do it, so it’s a little subtle.

 

I’m having a great time with this kit, and surprisingly I’m staying focused so far.  The squirrels are knocking but I’m pushing them away for now.?

 

[slusher]

Seat looks perfect!  Nice progress!

[atomicholiday]

Trying out a different product for washes today.  It’s pretty easy to work with.  Oil based if I understand correctly.